My friends are tired of the way their powder room looks and feels these days. They want to freshen it up, change the fixtures, replace a misbehaving pocket door. I think they should also redesign flooring and lighting. No big deal, right? But to them, even thinking about it feels like a huge undertaking. In this post I’ll show how to do it in 5 easy steps.

Redesign of a powder room in 5 easy steps

Existing

Step One: Assess the scope. Make a list of improvements.

• Pocket door overhaul / perhaps a bi-fold instead?
• New toilet / the smaller — the better
• Replace existing sink & faucet / redesign vanity
• Re-Paint powder room / choose a new color
• Get rid of the laminate flooring / substitute with tile — decide on the extent: possibly continue in the laundry room & kitchen / redesign transition
• Update lighting

Step Two: Determine what you like. Take a look at precedents for inspiration.

• Make a collage of details you would like to have in your “ideal” powder room (cover image).
• Pay attention to fixtures, finishes (wood, tile, glass, paint), and furnishings (mirrors, lighting).
• Notice what paint colors you like / do research.

Step Three: Measure.

• Take note of existing powder room plumbing — how far is the sewer line from the wall; 12” rough-in is standard.
• Check the door dimensions.
• What is the maximum size for the new lavatory / vanity and mirror?
• Examine locations of existing light fixture(s) and outlets/light switches

New palette: materials, colors & fixtures

Step Four: Source fixtures, etc. based on the pretty images you’ve compiled and collaged.

• Duravitt (online):
  • Luv Washbowl: 31 ½” W x 15 ¾” D
• Home Depot (I made an appointment with a design consultant Michael Bowers; he helped me navigate):
  • Toilet: 28 ¼” Champion 4 MAX by American Standard
  • Powder Room Washbowl Faucet: Compel Single Hole Single Handle in chrome from Delta
  • Bi-fold doors (have to meet with a different designer; will do it later).
  • Unfortunately, Ralph Lauren Paint is no longer available at The Home Depot.
• Benjamin Moore Paint store:
  • Thankfully, they are able to get the formula for the Ralph Lauren’s Andover Blue! I bought a pint as a sample.
• Porcelanosa showroom:
  • Floor tile: first thought is to match the tile in the powder room with the existing wood laminate flooring — I have my reservations — best is to order samples and look at them in the space.
• IKEA (online):
  • STOCKHOLM mirror: 3 7/8 ” D; 31 ½” Diameter. I love this mirror.
  • NYMÅNE Ceiling spotlight with 3 lights, white: 10” Diameter base + LEDARE LED bulb GU10 400 lumen, dimmable.

Plan

Elevations

Step Five: Put together a design.

• Vanity redesign: this is the time to remember all of the little things that did not work well.
  • Need a place to keep hand towels.
  • Consider access for repairs.
• Provide a shelf over a toilet to store toilet paper.

Add flair and personality with custom touches.

Out of all 5 steps, the last one provides an opportunity to infuse the space with personality and transform a generic bathroom into a beautiful powder room. Of course, any redesign starts with functionality, but it is also a chance to create something unique. Easy, right? If you have any questions, you can always reach me here.